Mark and Charlie's Blog

At Chili’s, tablets help wait staff turn over tables

When Martin Hines takes his 8-year-old daughter for a weekday lunch at the Chili’s Bar & Grill in Timonium, Md., this summer, he’s looking for quick service so he can return to work.

Instead of waiting for an employee to bring his check, he prefers to swipe his credit card on an electronic tablet placed at each table, which also prints his receipt. During the meal, his daughter usually plays games on the tablet for a flat fee of 99 cents — a price Hines is willing to pay to keep her entertained.